Rather than Larry vs Bill what about the much more familiar rivalry of Bill vs Steve? Now that Steve is gone is it still that necessary to uphold the image of him as the hard-nosed SOB, while alive I recall criticism that unlike Bill you rarely saw Steve's name connected with any charitable cause. Do we know differently now?

Interesting don't you think that while this blog was about "Lavish Monuments" these has been more discussion about selfishness than the actual monuments. Class warfare is alive and well and flourishing in this country. I think that the blog would've gotten a better reception in People Magazine.

Years ago both Ellison and Gates were criticized for hording their money.

Since then, Gates started the Gates Foundation with the goal of ensuring that people are able to make the most of their lives. Gates has invested his billions to help solve tough challenges such as extreme poverty, poor health in developing countries and the failures of America's education system.

I was in San Francisco when Ellison's boat won the America's Cup. His dollars still seem to be going to fast boats and big houses. It is a shame that he hasn't used his money for the greater good. His money, not mine, but still a shame.

Years ago both Ellison and Gates were criticized for hording their money.

Since then, Gates started the Gates Foundation with the goal of ensuring that people are able to make the most of their lives. Gates has invested his billions to help solve tough challenges such as extreme poverty, poor health in developing countries and the failures of America's education system.

I was in San Francisco when Ellison's boat won the America's Cup. His dollars still seem to be going to fast boats and big houses. It is a shame that he hasn't used his money for the greater good. His money, not mine, but still a shame.

Of course very much missing from the list is Bill Gates. Should I assume that there are no "lavish monuments" where Bill and Melinda are concerned? And who has more money Bill or Larry, and how does the Foundation enter into the picture, maybe this is Bill's monument ? Altho 10 years old this article gives you a real TMZ feel for these big machers.

Camber. Funny you should mention the Titanic. There's an old folk song about the ship's sinking that talks about how the champion prize fighter Jack Johnson wasn't allowed to board that ill-fated voyage because he was black. Here are a few lines:

Jack Johnson wanted to get on board, but the captain said "we don't haul no coal" Fare thee, Titanic, fare the well.

----------

Jack Johnson when he heard the news, ya shudda seen him just shakin' his blues. Fare thee, Titatic, fare thee well.

Nicole, as in NYC where the Bloomberg Administration celebrated the arrival of so many billionaires, there is a growing sense in the Bay Area that the rising tide of technology's elite is making life impossible for the ordinary folks. Rents are suspassing the levels of the dot-com eras, homes are unaffordable, and governments are jacking up fees and sales taxes to pay for public services. Meanwhile, the wealthy are lobbying for elimination of capital gains taxes -- which is the primary source of taxation on the rich. (Infamous billionaire Leona Helmsly once observed "Taxes are for the little people.")

This is an unsustainable model. We saw in the 30s and late 60s that the ordinary people will rise up against this. Perhaps DeBlasio's election in NY is the first sign of this. Look for more in the mid-term elections, and in protests coming soon to a city near you. I just hope we can avoid the violence that marked such eras in the past.

I don't think so, Camber. We are in an age where the rich are richer and the poor are poorer. History tells us this will lead to social discord, as it did in the 30s and the late 60s. The wealthy will wonder why because they have no idea how this affects the rest of us who work hard just to afford decent housing a healthy environment for our kids.

In today's technology-driven world, "innovation" has become a basic expectation. IT leaders are tasked with making technical magic, improving customer experience, and boosting the bottom line -- yet often without any increase to the IT budget. How are organizations striking the balance between new initiatives and cost control? Download our report to learn about the biggest challenges and how savvy IT executives are overcoming them.

Is DevOps helping organizations reduce costs and time-to-market for software releases? What's getting in the way of DevOps adoption? Find out in this InformationWeek and Interop ITX infographic on the state of DevOps in 2017.

At its core, digital business relies on strong security practices. In addition, leveraging security intelligence and integrating security with operations and developer teams can help organizations push the boundaries of innovation.